My daughter is almost 15 years old, and is a competitive rower in her high school.  She recently approached me to discuss the possibility of overseeing a weight loss program to allow her to make weight for a four woman contest.  She and three of her friends are hoping to make the weight class.

​The terminology used to define different styles of medicine can bring on a certain degree of confusion. Especially around the era of “natural” foods, cosmetics, fabrics, etc. There’s been a growing consumer drive around these products and service, but what defines “natural?” How does this translate to the practice of medicine? Is Functional Medicine equivalent or different from Natural Medicine? 

There is no reason why a medical blog wouldn’t promote the use of new or descriptive vocabulary word, particularly when it is exceedingly appropriate for the medical topic at hand.  The word for today is “perfunctory”.  It is pretty useful, particularly when discussing some of our daily routine (traffic, daily progress reports, computer passwords, kid’s lunches), or for the upcoming high-school SAT taker. Sadly it is far too relevant in respect to the delivery of today’s health care in the country today.